Voters approved Riverhead Free Library’s 2023-2024 operating budget yesterday by a 50-vote margin, 187 to 137.
The $4.7 million operating budget is an overall 12.77% spending increase over the current fiscal year.
The budget requires a tax levy increase of $482,289, which exceeds the state-imposed tax levy limit by $388,271, a 9% increase after adjustments allowed by the state for tax base growth. That works out to $5.98 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value.
MORE COVERAGE: Riverhead library proposes $4.7 million operating budget for 2023-2024
Four candidates were elected unopposed for four open library trustee seats: Barbara Ripel, Janet Vuturo and Jeff Zeiger were elected to three-year terms and Ruth Nelson was elected to fill the remaining year in the term of a trustee who stepped down this year.
Riverhead Free Library Director Kerrie McMullen-Smith said she is very happy for voters’ support.
Voters also approved the Baiting Hollow Library budget, 183-141.
Voter approval of the library budgets authorized the school district to enter contracts with the library associations, and disburse tax dollars pursuant to the contracts, to fund the spending plans approved by voters.
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